Windfarm Cable Project Receives Approval Despite Local Objections

Proposals for installing miles of cable to connect two windfarms to the National Grid have been approved by the Planning Inspectorate, notwithstanding a campaign opposing them. The project involves undersea cables making landfall near Blackpool Airport, then proceeding underground to two substations situated between Kirkham and Newton, before continuing beneath the River Ribble to Penwortham. Both local residents and businesses have expressed opposition to the scheme, and Fylde Council has similarly raised objections, citing potential impacts on visual aesthetics and agriculture, as well as disruption anticipated during the construction phase. BP, a participant in the undertaking, stated its desire for an “open dialogue” with affected communities. The Planning Inspectorate confirmed its acceptance of an application for a Development Consent Order, which aims to link the Irish Sea wind farms to the grid at the Penwortham Substation, located near Preston. This initiative is now set to advance to the subsequent phase of the planning procedure. The protest organization, Against the Wind Farm Onshore Cable and Substation Plans across the Fylde, asserts that the proposed development would disfigure the landscape and lead to severe disturbances. Fylde Council had previously submitted formal objections to the Planning Inspectorate, highlighting worries that the pre-application consultation process was insufficient, seemingly failing to inform all relevant stakeholders. Additionally, the council voiced apprehension regarding the inadequate level of detail provided during the consultation phase. Councillor Karen Buckley, who serves as the leader of the council, stated that the body had requested modifications to the plans. She remarked, “The fact that this opportunity has been missed demonstrates a blinkered approach that ignores the local geography of Fylde and risks the implementation of a scheme that threatens homes and local livelihoods that support our community.” Fylde Council confirmed its opposition to the planned connection, citing reasons such as the potential effect on agricultural land, the aesthetic impact of the necessary large substations, and extensive disruption during the construction period. This initiative is officially designated as the Morgan and Morecambe Offshore Wind Farms: Transmission Assets project, representing a collaborative effort involving BP, EnBW Energie Baden-Wurttemberg AG, Cobra, and Flotation Energy. BP indicated that the two projects collectively possess the capacity to generate as much as 2GW of power. A spokesperson further commented: “Having an open dialogue with communities is critical as the project progresses to refine its proposals and we greatly value the feedback from local residents and stakeholders.”